Global research impact

Regional futures

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Regional communities are navigating significant social, demographic and technological change – in how people work, learn, live and are governed. At the University of Wollongong, our researchers are working alongside communities to support a fair transition through this change, one that leaves employment, education, housing and governance more inclusive and secure.

Our expertise

Our researchers are strengthening the social, institutional and cultural systems that sustain wellbeing and participation in regional life. Through evidence-based policy, education reform and civic innovation, we're helping build regional communities that are inclusive, liveable and economically secure – with a focus on education, disability and NDIS workforce development, law and governance reform, rights and justice, and creative community capacity-building.

Core streams

  • Education and workforce futures
  • Governance, law and institutional capacity
  • Social and cultural infrastructure
  • Community wellbeing and responsible management 

Early Start Research Institute

Early Start turns world-class research into real-world impact for children and families. Our interdisciplinary community works together to address equity challenges and improve outcomes across the early years and beyond.

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Latest news and stories

Business and Economy, Community, Research

A decade of iAccelerate celebrated with launch of UOW Innovation Catalyst

New university-wide strategy to move research from ideas to market
Community, Education, Research, Students

New guidelines to help schools protect children’s digital privacy

UOW researchers release five evidence-based principles to help schools protect children’s data and navigate online sharing
Business and Economy, Science and Technology

Businesses tap PhD researchers to accelerate innovation

Industry internship program connects businesses with research talent to fast-track innovation and solve real-world challenges
Business and Economy, Community

Good ideas belong out in the world

Dr Tamantha Stutchbury drives iAccelerate’s impact by championing diverse start-up and scale-up enterprise founders, building environments where women and underrepresented voices care, collaborate and unlock world-changing potential.
Business and Economy, Community

Celebrating 50 years of partnership between BlueScope and the University of Wollongong

From steelworks to lecture halls, the connection between BlueScope and the University of Wollongong has been built on a shared vision for the Illawarra. For John Nowlan, a current BlueScope executive and proud UOW alumnus, that relationship has been more than professional - it’s been personal. Together, the two institutions have helped shape the Illawarra as an economic powerhouse.

Alumni, Science and Technology

Glen Moore: Pioneer of one of Australia's most innovative science spaces

For more than 50 years, Illawarra local Glen Moore has been a passionate advocate for making science and technology accessible to the community. His enduring commitment to opening minds to broader realities and higher possibilities has had a wide-reaching and lasting impact.
More research stories

Contact us

There are many ways to partner with UOW. We provide expertise, strategic advice, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated services for researchers, government, community, and industry partners.

Key research contacts